Threads is finally bringing messaging to the web

Threads is rolling out its messaging service to the web, bringing one-on-one and group conversations to desktop, the Meta-owned social network announced Tuesday. By bringing messaging to the web, Threads is aligning its desktop experience more closely with competitors like X and Bluesky.

Web messaging was the most requested feature from users after the company first introduced direct messaging in July 2025, Connor Hayes, head of Threads at Meta, said in a post.

“Our most engaged people spend time on the web because they are at their desks, communicating, and using threads for longer sessions,” Hayes wrote in his Threads post. “The chat app needs to work wherever you are, and now it does.”

The web version of Threads now includes a “Messages” tab that opens your inbox, along with a “Requests” section where you can view all incoming message requests. You can also search your messages and quickly start a new conversation.

The launch wasn’t a surprise, as Hayes had announced last April that messages would be coming to Threads’ web experience.

For a platform that lacked native direct messaging at launch, messaging has become a core part of Threads. The company told TechCrunch in an email that users are sending 30% more messages per week since the beginning of the year, and usage now averages about 350 million direct messages per week.

Since its launch in 2023, Threads has constantly added new features to expand its platform and stay competitive with its competitors. It is worth noting that the social network recently added a feature that even its competitors do not have: live chat.

Threads’ live chats allow for real-time conversations during cultural events, and are first launching within the NBA Threads community during the playoffs. Users can send messages, photos, videos, links and emoji reactions. Up to 150 participants can actively send messages in the chat. Once this limit is reached, additional users can still view the conversation, respond to messages, and participate in polls in Spectator mode.

The rollout of web messaging and live chats shows that Threads is focused on making conversations a core part of its platform, beyond posts and replies.